Panoramic telescope device



Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD PNORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE l1 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 5, 1948 Fi -|l.

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Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD 2,625,853

PANORAMIC TELEscoPE DEVICE File'd Feb. C5, 1948 ll'SheetS-Sheet 2 SWW/nivo@- Rn 13 efr" Hnywnrd Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYwARD 2,625,853

PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE Filed Feb. 5, 1948 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 Roger Huywud SH01/W Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD PANORAMIC TELEscoPE DEVICE l1 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 5, 1948 'E DE El` Hayward Jan. 20, 1953 RQ HAYWARD PANORAMIC TELEscoPE DEVICE 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 3, 1948 Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE Filed Feb. 5, 1948 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 20, 1953 R, HAYWARD v 2,625,853

PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE Fild Feb. 5, 1948 11 Sheets-Sheet. '7

Ruger Htywurd Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 3, 1948 VUM; (OL

'R n g EP Hayward Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD 2,625,853

PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE Filed Feb. 3, 1948 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 Jan. 2o, 195.3 R, HAYWARD 2,625,853

PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE Filed Feb. 5, 1948 11 Sheets-Sheet l0 Ruger Hayward f# @M/AMM@ atroz/wmp Jan. 20, 1953 R. HAYWARD PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE 11 Sheets-Sheet ll Filed Feb. 5, 1948 Patented Jan. 20, 1953 PANORAMIC TELESCOPE DEVICE Roger Hayward, Pasadena, Calif., assignor to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army Application February 3, 1948, Serial No. 6,030

19 Claims.

This invention relates to panoramic or scanningtelescopes and, more particularly, toa binocular pano-ramic telescope intended for use in positions where movement of an observers head is restricted. One example of a situation where such instruments are of particular use is in combat tanks where the turret gunner must be able to scan a relatively wide area, vertically and horizontally but, because of his cramped location within the turret, and the necessarily restricted viewing opening in the turret wall, is unable to carry out the necessary observations by movement `of his head. Numerous other situations arise where such sights are of particular utility and importance, such as observation by the pilot of a ghter aircraft or the turrent gunners of a bomber.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a panoramic telescope which, while relatively simple to construct, is highly accurate over its entire range of movement.

A further object is the provision of a binocular scanning instrument wherein the movable entrance reectors are rigidly connected for movement as a unit so that no possibility of loss of stereoscopic vision exists.

Another object is to provide scanning instrument of the type described wherein vertical and lateral angular movement of the line of sight is effected by corresponding rotation of a single control element or handle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a monocular type scanner adapted for use with the optics of a simple telescope which normally produces an inverted image and which illustrates the rolling cylinder principle utilized in the more rened models subsequently illustrated.

Fig.l 2 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 in which the line o-f sight has been rotated through a horizontal angle a,

Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a monocular type, analagous to Figs. 1 and 2 and adapted to the optics of a Gallilean telescope which normally produces an erect image and which can als-o be used without any lens optics if magnification is not required,

Fig. 4 is a View corresponding to Fig. 3 but showing the line of sight rotated horizontally through the angle a,

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a binocular type instrument utilizing the principles illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 and a special type of crossed erecting mirror,

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 but showing the line of sight rotated horizontally through approximately Fig. 7 is a side elevation of one form of practical embodiment of a binocular telescopic scanner utilizing the optics schematically illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6,

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of the instrument of Fig. 7 showing in greater detail the mounting and arrangement of the crossed mirrors,

Fig. 9 is a sectional View taken in a plane indicated by the line 9-9 of Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows,

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional plan taken on a plane indicated b-y the line Ill-l0, Fig. 7, and showing the belt drive between the two cylindrical pulleys,

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section taken upon the line l I--l I of Fig. 7 except only that for greater clarity of illustration, the crossed mirrors are shown in plan,

Fig. 12 is a perspective detail View of the universal mounting plate of the instrument shown in Figs. 7 to 11,

Fig. 13 is a sectional detail View of the control handle, and taken upon a plane identified by the 'line |3-|3, Fig. 14,

Fig. 14 is a sectional elevation showing in detail the handle mounting and its connections,

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing schematically the optics of a second form of binocularV telescopic scanner using a two-sided pellicle mirror in place of the crossed mirror of Figs. 7 to 14,

Fig. 16 is a View corresponding to Fig. 15 but showing the lines of sight rotated clockwise through a substantial horizontal angle,

Fig. 17 is a perspective View showing schematically a form of the invention generally corresponding to Figs. 15 and 16, but employing fewer separate optical elements and generally simpler in construction,

Fig. 18 is a View corresponding to Fig. 17 wherein the lines of sight have been rotated horizontally clockwise, through an angle a,

Fig. 19 is a view corresponding to Fig. 17 wherein the lines of sight have been elevated through a substantial angle Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an instrument embodying the optics of Figs. 17, 18 and 19 in position with the lines of sight substantially horizontal and parallel with the optical axes of the eyepieces,

Fig. 21 is a central section through the in.- strument of Fig. 20 in a vertical plane substantially midway between and parallel with the axes of the eyepieces, and

Fig. 22 is a detail View in vertical section showing the left Porro prism, its frame, and the mounting of the cylinders therein.

Referring in detail to Figs. 1 and 2, reference numerals I and 2 identify two identical hollow cylinders or tube sections having their surfaces held in pure rolling contact by any suitable mechanism, not shown. Cylinder I has parallel upstanding projections 3 and 4 formed at their upper ends to provide bearings for an axle 5 extending diametrically across the cylinder. An entrance reiiector or mirror 6 is secured to axle 5 so that its reflecting surface contains. the pivot axis defined by the axle. An objective I is mounted in cylinder I below mirror 6 and acts to form a real image of the field of view reected thereto by reflector 6.

A Porro prism 8 extends over the lower ends of cylinders -I and 2 and is so related therewithl that the axes of the two cylinders always inv tersect 'the same points, respectively. of the prisnfi.-l Thus, as cylinder I rolls about cylinder 2 to `horizontally vary the direction of the line .of sight 9, the prism 8 rotates through an angle. equal to the angle of revolution of the axis of cylinder I, about the axis of cylinder 2v.v This angle, as is well. known, is equal to one-half the angle of rotation of cylinder I about its axis,

that is, one-half-the angle of horizontal move-.- ment of the line of sight 9.

Por-oprsm 8 acts tor'reect the rayspassing cbiectiye-Y'I'Vto Va.simpleprism Ill, fixed to the, top. of-xed cylinder Prism; I then. actstoereiiect. the rays rearwardly to an eyepiece generally in.-V

dicated at I I. Thus, by causing cylinder vI torroll onV cylinder 2, theline of sight 'may be moved in azimuth while, because ofthe half-angle of rotation of prism 8, the field of View as seen in fixed eyepiece II is erect for all adjustments` in azimuthof the line of sight. Fig; 2 indicates that while the line of sight has been rotated clockwise throughfth'e angle a from the position shownfupon Fig; 1, Porro prism 8v has rotatedV through the angle a/2 in the same direction.

Also, bytilting mirror the line of sight can' be moved Yangularly in a vertical direction. Thus, within the physical limits' of the instrument, the lineof sight may be directed vertically and horizontally to scan any desired areawhile theihead andeyeof the observer remains stationary with eyepiece iI.

In Figs. 3 and l-is shown a system analagous to the. formpf Figs. land 2, butadapted to the optics of a Gallilean telescope. except the eyepiece, may be duplicates. of the corresponding parts shownupon Figs. l and. 2,V they have been given the same reference numer-als, primed, as have been used to identify corresponding parts upon Figs. 1 and 2. Conse-` quently, it is deemed sucient to point out cylinders I:r and 2", uprights 3" and 4' ,of cylinder I', axle entrance reflector 6', objective l', Porro prism 8', and prism Ill". The arrangement of the parts may be the same as in the species of Figs. 1 and: 2 exceptithatin the straight forward viewing position cylinder 2', its prism I and Porro prism 8', are revolved90 about cylinder I" from the corresponding position of the parts inY the 'species of Figs. 1 and2. The usual diverging eyelens I2 ismounted in iixed position, as are cylinder 2 and prism I6 so that scanning may be Veffected over a relatively wide area by rotating cylinder I andtilting reflector 6'.

Since all parts, v

In Figs. 5 and 6, I have schematically illustrated one form of binocular panoramic telescope employing the principles illustrated by Figs. 1 to 4. In these figures, a pair of entrance reectors I3 and I4 are fixed in parallel relation to a shaft I 5 which is journaled by bearings not shown, for movement about its own axis, to thereby angularly move the line of sight in elevation. The coplanar reflecting surfaces of these reflectors contain the axis of rotation of shaft I5.

The rays from a distant object, typied by principal ray I6, are reflected at I3, downwardly through objective I'I to double prism I8, I9. From prism I9, they are reflected laterally inwardly to a crossed mirror 2U, thence laterally outwardly tofprism 2I andfby prism 2I rearwardly to left eyepiece 22. The rays from the same field of view proceeding to mirror I4, as typified by principal ray I6', are reiiected in an analogous path to objective 23, prisms 24 and 25, mirror 2Q, prism 26 and right eyepiece-2 'I-.

Mirror 2G is formed-as two pairs of reiiecting surfaces, eachn pair being coplanar, and with'the planes defined thereby mutuallynormal.

planes parallel tothe principal axes of the eyepieces, the horizontal line of intersection `of the two planes determined bythe refiecting surfaces i. of mirror 20, is also parallelI to the axes of the eyepieces.

Reiiectors vI3 and I4, objectives I'I" and 23,` and prisms; IBI, Il'and 24, 25, 'are mounted by'means, 'one form'. of which Willbe described subsequently, ff for revolution `as` a.. unit aboutA a-vertical` axis which intersects the aforementioned horizontal line of intersection of the reecting surfaces of mirrorY 2l). Connections subsequently described are providedby whichmirror 20 is rotated about the aforesaid vertical axis, through one-half the angle of rotation oi vthe entrance mirrors, etc.,` that is, one-half the angle of azimuthal rotation of the lines of sight. The optical elements thus constitute a system which is equivalent to a double-face reector without material thickness,

base 28 having a generally spherical socket 34 formedV in its upper end in which nts a ball 29, rigidly secured to a support 30, as by a projection 3|, Fig. '7, on ball threaded into an aperture in plate 32 forming a part of support 3.0. A set screw 33 threaded through the wall o socket 34 operates to clamp the ball in adjusted. position. From Fig. 12, it will 'be noted that plate 32 has a bossed threaded opening 35 and a. slot 36 concentric of the axis of opening 35.

A sleeve 31 is threaded into opening 35 and projects upwardly therefrom. As seen at Fig. 9', this( sleeve has a keyway 38 formed in its upper cylindrical end and a pulley39 is keyed thereto by key 4U.' In this manner, pulley 39 is rigid with plate or bracket 32. Sleeve 31 has a smooth axial bore which acts as a journal for a stub shaft 4I having a reduced threaded lower end 42; A link'43V is integral with and extends radially from the upper portion of shaft 4I. As seen more clearly on Fig. 14, the outer end of link 43 In theV normal position of thefparts shown upon Fig. 5, thatr is, when the lines of sight liein vertical.

extends over and across the slot 36 in plate 32. Shaft 4I has a smooth bearing fit in sleeve 31 and is held against axial movement therein by a shoulder at its top, and lock nuts 44 at the bottom. A second link 45 is journaled upon the smooth upper end of sleeve 31. This link is of the same effective length as link 43 so that bearing holes in the outer ends of each, are in alignment, as will be seen on reference to Fig. 14. It will also -be noted from Figs. 10 and 14, that these holes are at all times aligned with slot 36 and have a diameter equal to or a little less than, the radial dimension of the slot.

A shaft section 46 is journaled in the aligned apertures formed in the endsof links 43 and 45. The shaft has a lower end, forked as at 41, Figs. 'I and 14, which end has a shoulder 48 adapted to fit against the lower surface of bracket 32. A plain cylindrical pulley 49 is keyed by key 48 to shaft 46 between links`43 and 45. This pulley has the same external diameter as pulley 39. The dimensions are so chosen that the peripheries of the two pulleys are substantially in contact. A flexible metallic band or belt I is secured at 52 to pulley 49, Figs. '7 and 10, and is wound clockwise a half turn about 49 and a half turn counterclockwise about pulley 39. Its other end is secured to pulley 39 at 53. A second flexible metallic band or belt 54 has one end attached to pulley 49 at 55 and is wound counterclockwise about pulley 49 a half turn, then clockwise about pulley 39 a half turn. The other end of belt 54 is attached to pulley 39 at 56. The pulleys are spaced just enough to permit the bands to pass b etween them. Thus, since pulley 39 is fixed, rotation of pulley 49 by means subsequently described, causes pulley 49, in effect, to roll around 39. Links 43 and 45 are thereby revolved about the axis of shaft 4I, through one-half the angle of rotation of pulley 49 about its own axis.

Referring particularly to Fig. 14, shaft 46 extends upwardly through its journal opening in link 43 and passes through a flanged opening 51 formed in a U-shaped frame 58. A set screw 59 is threaded into a radial hole in the flange and engages shaft 46 whereby to lock the frame 58 rigidly to the shaft so that they are compelled to turn as a unit.

From Figs. 7, 9 and 1l, it is seen that the frame 58 comprises a horizontal or bight portion 58a connecting right and left uprights 58h and 58o. The upper ends of these uprights are apertured to form bearing supports for the entrance reilector assembly which may consist of reflector frames or rims 59 and 68 carrying reflectors I3 and I4, respectively, and connected in coplanar relation by an intermediate shaft 6I. Trunnions 62 and 63 extending oppositely and coaxially with shaft 6I are received in the aforementioned bearing supports whereby the reflector assembly is rotatable about the axis of shaft 6 I. A pinion 64 is pinned to shaft 6I and meshes with a pinion 65 pinned to the upper end of a shaft 66 which, as best seen at Figs. 13 and 14, passes with a smooth lit through the central bore in shaft 46 `and has a pinion 61 secured to its lower end. I

A control handle 68 has a metallic bearing portion 69 secured to the upper face of the handle by fastenings 1I. This portion fits smoothly between the projections formed by the lower forked end and is pivoted thereto by a shaft 16. The portion 69 is formed with a gear segment 69a in mesh with pinion 61. In this manner, as handle 68 is pivoted about the axis of shaft 10,

' all operating positions thereof.

shaft 66 is rotated to correspondingly pivot entrance reflectors 59 and 60 about the common axis of shaft 6I and trunnions 62 and 63. From the connections shown it will be noted that the reflectors tilt in the same direction in which handle 68 is tilted. Furthermore, twisting or turning of handle 68 turns shaft 46 and frame 58 as a unit, together with all parts carried thereby, to turn the lines of sight in azimuth since pulley 49 is fixed to shaft 46, while the pulley is connected by belts 5I and 54 with fixed pulley 39, twisting of handle 58 causes shaft 46 to ride in arcuate slot 36 and pivots links 43 and 45 about the axis of shaft 4I, through an angle which is half the angle of turning of shaft 46 about its own axis. The purpose of this will be subsequently described. lFor the present, it is pointed out that, by the foregoing construction, handle 68 may be used to direct the line of sight in azimuth and/or elevation.

Referring more particularly to Figs. '7, 8 and 9, a plate 1I is xed at its ends, as by rivets 12 between verticals 58h and 58o, a sufficient distance below reflectors 59 and 60 to clear the same for Objective I1 is held by ring 15 over an opening in plate 1I directly below reflector 59. Right objective 23 is held by ring 16 over an opening in plate 1I below .reflector 60. Both objectives are thus xedly mounted on frame 58.

At its left side below objective I1, frame 58 supports a case or box 11 within which prism I8 is mounted to receive the rays from objective I1 and to reflect them 90 rearwardly to prism I9, also xed within case 11. As explained in connection with the lay-out of Figs. 5 and 6, prism I9 operates to reflect the rays laterally inwardly to crossed mirror 20. By a similar construction a case or box 13 is fixedly carried by frame 58 at the right end thereof below objective 23. This box carries prisms 24 and 25 to reflect the rays from objective 23 rearwardly and thence laterally inwardly to mirror 20, as previously explained.

The crossed mirror and its mounting and connections to the instrument, are best shown upon Figs. 7, 8 and 9. Shaft 4I has previously been described as journaled in sleeve 31 and as having link 43 integral with, or rigidly secured to its upper end. The mirror frame 14 comprises generally I-shaped base and top portions 14a and 14h, respectively. The base is provided centrally with a sleeve 14e which ts over the upwardly projecting end of shaft 4I and is fixed thereto by a screw 18. The mirror frame is completed by front and rear channel members 14d and 14e of generally X shape and rigidly attached to the ends of the top and bottom I members to form an open frame of a shape obvious from inspection of Figs. 8 and 9.

The confronting channels of X members 14d and 14e are thus positioned to receive and securely hold the four mirror sections 29a, 2Gb, 20c and 20d. From Fig. 9 it is seen that the reflecting surfaces of the mirror sections 26a and 29e, are coplanar, as are those of sections 26h and 26d, and that the two planes thus determined are mutually normal. In Fig. 9, the line of intersection of the two planes is in normal or central position and is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet, and in a horizontal plane passing midway between prisms I9 and 25 on the one side of said plane, and 2I and 26 on the other side thereof. Thus rays are reflected from prism I9 to mirror section 26d, thence vertically 7 tosection 20a .and laterally outwardly to prism ZI. .At the other or right side, the rays reflected from prism 25 strike mirror section 29o and are vthence reflected vertically to section- 29h and laterally outwardly to prism 26. Since mirror 29 is xed to shaft 4| and link 43, it always rotates from central or normal position, through half the angle that frame 58 and the parts carried thereby, rotate about the axisv of shaft 196 and the images of a remote object being observed, are maintained erect in the eld of View of the eyepieces. The arrangement of optical parts as depicted upon Figs. and 6 is the close analogue of that shown in the species of Figs.

7 lto 11, except only that in Figs. 5 and 6, for greater clarity of illustration, prisms 2| and 26 are shown below prisms I9 and 25, respectively. The arrangement of Figs. 7 to 1l affords greater compactne'ss as will be obvious from inspection. It is desired to point out that prisms I9, I9, 24 and 25 are fixed to and supported by frame 58 and move with such frame as a unit.

A U-shaped bracket 'I9 forms a part of support 30 and is secured to bracket 32 by screws 80, 8. The left upright '19a of bracket 719, mounts a prism'housing and eyepiece support 8|. This housing is shaped to receiveV prism 2| at its forward portion. The rays from mirror section 29a .pass thereto through opening Bla, Fig. 1l. Housing 8| has its rear portion shaped to receive and mount holder 89 of a double prism 82, which receives'the rays from prism 2| and reflects them into left eyepiece 83. 'This eyepiece, as shown, is threaded into an aperture in'holder 94. Focussingmay be effected by turning the eyepiece.

The right upright '|917 of bracket 'I9 carries a prism housing and eyepiece support 85 which is shaped at its forward portion to receive and rigidly support prism 26, Fig. l1, and at its rear portion, to receive prism holder 86. Double prism 8l, which is a duplicate of prism 82, is mounted in this holder and acts to receive the rays from prism 26 and to reilect them into eyepiece 88 threadedly mounted in the holder 86.

In use, set screw 33 will be loosened and the entire instrument adjusted in the general direction of the field or area to be scanned. 'Ihe screw is tightened and the user, while looking into the eyepieces, 83 and 89, grasps handle 68. If purely lateral movement of the line of sight is desired, the handle will be twisted or turned only about the axis of shaft 46, while if elevational movement only is desired, the handle will be pivoted about the axis of shaft 19. Of course the two movements can be effected simultaneously to impart a movement to the lines of sight having vertical and lateral components. In all cases, the angular movement imparted lto the lines of sight corresponds with the movement of the handle 68 so that control is made in a natural and facile way. The field of view is in the same orientation as would be observed by looking directly along the lines of sight I6 and I6'. It will be understood that double prisms 82 and El are used to provide a greater separation or spacing between prisms I8, I9 and 2| on the left side, and 2li, 25 and 26 upon theA right side. It is contemplated that modifications may be used in which these double prisms are omitted. While separate and distinct entrance reflectors I3 and I 4 are shown, it is obvious that, with slight modification, a single entrance mirror may be substituted. While I have shown the instrument in the form of a telescope, it will be clear that the magnification feature may be omitted when no magnification is required, without altering the general construction or lthe principle of operation.

At Figs. 15 and 16 I have schematically shown a form of the invention corresponding generally to that of Figs. 5 and 6 but employing a somewhat different form and arrangement of optical elements, as will be clear from the succeeding description.

Left and right entrance mirrors or reflectors and 9| are xed in spaced, coplanar relation to a shaft 92, with their reflecting surfaces containing the axis of the shaft. Shaft 92 is journaled in a frame, not shown, for pivotal movement about a normally horizontal axis. The aforesaid frame mounts a pair of objectives 93 and 94, each of which is positioned to receive the rays reflected from a respective mirror. This frame corresponds to frame 58, Figs. 7 to 1l, and, like that frame, is pivotal about a normally vertical axis.

The rays from objective 93 pass in succession to prisms 95, 96 and 9i. Prism 95 acts to reilect the rays 90 inwardly parallel with the axis of shaft 92 to prism 96 which is positioned with its reflecting face vertical and at 45 to the axis of shaft 92. Prism 96 thus acts to reflect the rays horizontally forward to prism 97. This prism 9'1 has one face normal to the reflected rays proceeding from prism 96 and is tilted 45 about Y the central one of said rays so that the rays reflected therefrom proceed downwardly in a plane parallel with shaft 92, to one face of 'a double-face reflector 98.

Reflector 98 consists of a rectangular frame 98al in which is mounted a thin lm or pellicle 98h having both sides reflecting, as by silverin'g. From reflector 98, the rays from the prismv v97 are rcilected downwardly and outwardly to a xed prism 99 which is so positioned as to reflect the rays rearwardly to left eyepiece |99. Similarly, rays from right objective 99 are received by prism |01 and thence reflected inwardly, parallel with shaft 92, to prism I9! by which the rays are deflected forwardly to prism |92. This prism |02 is positioned to reflect the rays downwardly and inwardly to the other reflecting face of mirror 9B. From mirror 98 the rays are reflected downwardly to kixed prism |93, thence rearwardly to right eyepiece |99.

Mirror 98 is mounted, as by trunnions |05 and |06, for pivotal movement about a normally vertical axis, as in the case of the crossed mirrors device 20 of Figs. 5 and 6. Prisms 95, 96, 91, |97, |0| and |02 are all carried by the aforementioned frame and are thus all ilxed relatively to one another and to objectives 93 and 94. Thus, all the aforementioned parts, together with shaft 92 and entrance reflectors 99 and 9|, move as a unit about the vertical axis. Suitable connections are provided where-by mirror 93 is rotated about the axis defined by trunnions |05 and |96, through one-half the angle of rotation of the aforementioned frame about its corresponding parallel axis. In this way, the images received by the mirrors 90 and 9| are at all times reflected into the eyepieces to give an erect or normal image.

vjIn the positions ofthe parts shown upon Fig. 15, the lines of sight are in normal or central position parallel with the principal axes I0 and III of eyepieces 09 and |94, so that the field of view is straight ahead. Fig. 16 shows the positions of the parts after the line of sight has been rotated in azimuth, that is, about a normally vertical axis, through the angle a. It will be noted that mirror 98 has been turned through the angle a/2 in the same direction. Of course, movement of the lines of sight vertically is effected simply by rotation of entrance reflectors 90 and 9| as a unit with shaft 92. Because of the particular construction shown wherein reflectors 90 and 9| are fixed to a common shaft, no possibility exists of relative movement in a vertical plane between the lines of sight and stereoscopic vision is maintained for all adjustments of the lines of sight vertically and horizontally. Y

` In Figs. 17, 18 and 19 I have shown schematically, a form of the inventoin using a fewer number of parts than the form of Figs. 15 and 16.l A practical working embodiment of the species of Figs. 17, 18 and 19, will be subsequently described in connection with Figs. 20, 21 and 22.

' Referring in detail to Figs. 17-19, a pair of entrance refiectors or prisms H3 and H4 are mounted with their forward faces coplanar, for movement as a unit about the normally horizontal axis H5, to thereby direct the parallel lines of sight H6 and ||1 in elevation. From prism H3, the rays are reflected parallel with axis ||5 through objective I |8 to a Porro prism I I9, thence reversely to a mirror or reflector |20 positioned at an angle, in a vertical plane, across the reflected rays, to divert them to mirror |2I. This,

mirror may be a duplicate of mirror 98, described in connection with Figs. 15 and 16, and may be similarly mounted. Consequently, it will be sufcient to identify frame. I2 Ia, pellicle |2|b having both sides specular, and trunnions |22 and |23. From the mirror |2|, the rays proceeding from refiector |20, are reflected to a xed mirror |24 and thence rearwardly to left eyepiece |25.

Similarly, rays proceeding from the field of view to the right entrance prism I4 are reflected thereby outwardly parallel with axis I I5, through objective |21 to right Porro prism |26. The rays reversed by prism |26 proceed inwardly parallel with axis H5 and are reilected rearwardly and inwardly by fixed mirror |28, to the right-hand specular surface of double reector |2I. From |2| the rays are reflected rearwardly and outwardly to xed mirror |29 and by the latter, rearlwardly into right eyepiece |30.

Fig. 17 shows the positions of the parts when the lines of sight are in normal or straight ahead horizontal position. In this position, the plane of pellicle I2 Ib is midway between lines I6 and H1 and the principal axes of eyepieces |25 and |30. In Fig. 18, the lines of sight have been rotated horizontally clockwise through an angle a. It will be noted that prisms I I3, I I4, objectives H8, |21, and Porro prisms I I9, |26, have rotated as a unit, while reflector |2| has rotated clockwise through the angle of a/2 and mirrors |20, |24, |28, |29, together with eyepieces and |30 have remained fixed. In Fig. 19, the lines of sight, while in the same azimuthal plane as in Fig. 17, have been elevated from the horizontal, through the angle This has been done by revolving prisms H3 and H4 about the external horizontal axis |3|. At the same time, Porro prisms H9 and |26 have been elevated or rotated about the same axis, through the angle /2. Thus, within the physical ranges of movement for which the instrument is designed, the lines of sight are universally movable into any desired direction while a normal erect image of the field of View is available in the fixed eyepieces.

In Figs. 20, 21 and 22 is shown one practical embodiment of the instrument schematically disclosed in Figs. 17, 18 and 19. `Referring in detail to these figures, a base |32, Fig. 20 is provided withfa socket to receive a ball |33 having a shank |33a rigidly connected, as by threads, with a bracket |34. This bracket, as best shown at Fig. 20, has right and left spaced upstanding arms |34a and |341) each having a threaded aperture at its upper end to adjustably support a respective eyepiece |25 and |30. From Fig. 2l it will be noted that an angle |35 is secured to arm |34b and that mirror |29 is pivotally mounted thereon for adjustment about a vertical axis. A wing nut |36 may be provided for securing the reflector in adjusted position. This nut may be threaded upon a screw projecting downwardly from, and integral with, the frame |290l of mirror |29. Mirror |24 is mounted in a manner identical with that of mirror |29.

The horizontal forwardly-extending portion |340, of bracket |34 has an opening |31 in which a stub shaft |38 is fixed by means of a reduced threaded lower end, and a nut |39. Portion |340 also has an arcuate slot |40, concentric of the axis of shaft |38. A short shaft IBI is rotatabllr and slidably mounted within slot |40. This shaft has a clevis |42 rigid with its lower end and between the arms of which is pivoted a handle |43, by means of a pin or shaft |44, Fig. 21.

A link |45 is pivoted at one end on a smooth portion of shaft |38. At its other end, this link has a bearing aperture coincidental with slot |49 and in which shaft |4| is journaled with a smooth t. A pinion |49 is fixed to the upper end of shaft |98V above link |45. This pinion meshes with another pinion |41, of identical pitch diameter, secured to shaft I4I. Pinion |41 has anl upwardly extending hub portion on which one end of a link |48 is journaled. This link has the same effective length as link |45. At itsend remote from shaft |4I, link |48 has a hub drilled to receive trunnion |23 of mirror |2I.V A set screw, |49 fixes the two together. The endA of trunnion |28 projects downwardly with a snug fit into a coaxially drilled hole in the end of shaft |38. In this way, mirror IZI is rotated through an angle determined by the distance that shaft |4| moves in and along slot AA tubular frame |59 extends upwardly from shaft |4| concentric therewith and has a forked upper end consisting of arcuate, upwardly extending arms |59a and I59b. See Fig. 21, These arms embrace and are rigidly attached to the central portion of a generally horizontal cylindrical casing |54, having right and left openings |52 and |53 in its rear wall. Frame |55 is rigidly attached to shaft |4| and the hub of pinion |41, by screws |5I. Mirror |29 is mounted Within and on casing |54, at the proper angle across the longitudinal axis thereof, to be viewed through opening |52. Likewise, mirror |28 is mounted in and on casing |54 opposite and facing opening |53. Mirror |28 makes an angle with the axis of casing |54, equal and opposite to |29, as is obvious from inspection of Figs. 17 to 20, inclusive.

Referring to Fig. 22, it will be noted that the left end of casing |54 mounts the outer race |55 of an anti-friction bearing. The inner race of this bearing is carried by an end frame and Porro prism support |59 having a rim |5511, Fig. 22, upon which the race is mounted. The frame extends transversely of the axis of casing |54 and has an offset opening or well in which the end of a second cylindrical casing |51 is received. The end of frame |59 has openings |551) and |56c 'and Porro prism H9 is mounted over these openings and held in position by a cover 11 |58'. This cover is secured to frame |56 by screws or rivets |59.

Casings |54 and |51 are of equal length and their right ends are connected by a construction which is duplicate of the one described in the foregoing paragraph. Hence it is sufficient to identify frame |60 and prism cover |51. Frame |56 is provided with lugs such as |55d and |55e having apertures aligned With corresponding apertures in lugs |60d and |50e of frame |50. Through bolts |52, |63 and |64 (Fig. 21) pass through these apertures and act to rigidly unite frames |56iand |55. Casing |51 is journaled by frames |55 and |55 for rotation relatively thereto, If desired, anti-friction bearings may be provided between casing |51 and the aforesaid frames.

Casing |51 is limited to rolling motion about casing |54, by metal straps or belts, in the manner shown for pulleys 39 and 49. Thus a belt |65 is secured at one end to the` right end of casing |51 and extends clockwise therearound, as seen in Fig. 21, through substantially 180, thence counterclockwise through a like angle, about casing |54, to which its other end is attached. A second belt |65 is secured at one end to casing |51, adjacent belt |55 and extends counterclockwise thereabout through substantially 180, thence clockwise about casing |54 through a like angle. Its other end is secured to the under side of casing |54, The left ends of casing |54 and |51 are connected in an identical manner, so that it is suflicient to identify belts |51 and |53. In this Way, in accordancevvith the principle explained in connection with Figs. l and 4,

inclusive, cylindrical casing |51 may rotate aboutits own axis, while revolving about the central longitudinal axis of casing |54. Thus frames |55 and |50, together with Porro prisms ||9 and |25, are rotated about the axis of casing |54, through one-half the angle of rotation of casing |51 about its own axis. As the lines of sight are angularly moved in elevation the prisms I9 and |25 thus act to maintain the image in normal or erect position in the eyepieces. Since the entrance prisms ||3 and ||4 are rigidly united by reason of their common mounting in casing |51, no possibility of their relative movement exists and stereoscopic vision is assured.

Casing |54 is provided at the ends of the lower portions of its wall, with lugs |10 and |1|, having aligned bearing apertures in which a shaft |69 is journaled. This shaft passes through apertures in frame |50 and, Within the frame, has a bevel pinion |12, in mesh with a second pinion |13 secured to shaft |14. As seen in Fig. 21, this shaft is journaled within an axial bore in shaft |4|, and has a bevel pinion |15 attached to its lower end. Pinion meshes with a bevel gear segment |16, fixed to handle |43, concentric of pin |44.

The ends of shaft |59 are provided with pinions |11 and |18, each in mesh with teeth |19 and |80 shown as cut in the lower peripheral portions of frames |56 and |56. In this way, as handle |43 and segment |16 are pivoted about the axis of pin or shaft |44, shaft |14 is turned, to correspondingly turn shaft |59 and pivot frames |55 and |50 and their Porro prisms, in unison about the axis of casing |54. At the same time casing |51 is thereby revolved about the axis of casing |54, and simultaneously rotated upon its own axis, to thereby move the lines of sight in elevation. The gear connections aresuch that the lines of sight are angularly moved in the same directionor sense,v as handle |43 .and the gear ratios` are preferably so selected that the angle of movement of the lines of sight in elevation is approximately equal to, the angle of movement of the handle, Since the lines of sight are moved horizontally in the same direction and to the same extent as angular movement of handle |43 and shaft |4|, the adjustment is simple and natural in directing the lines of sight toV any desired direction. It will be understood that pellicle |2|b isv only a few thousandths of an inch in thickness so that it may be regarded optically as having no thickness and, therefore, both specular surfaces lie in the axis of Vtrunnion or supporting shaft |23.

While I have shown` several embodimentsof my invention, numerous modications, alterations and substitutions of equivalents will occur to those skilled in the optical art, after a study of the foregoing disclosure. For this reason, I desire that the disclosure be taken in an illustrative, rather than a limiting sense, and it is my desire and intention to reserve all such changes as fall within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having now fully disclosed the invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a binocular panoramic telescope, a bracket, right and left eyepieces ilxedly carried by said bracket, a frame journaled on said bracket on a normally vertical flrst axis between the parallel axes of said eyepieces, entrance reflector means mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about a normally horizontal second axis, right and left objectives carried by said y frame, each positioned in the path of rays from respective entrance reflectors to receive rays reflected therefrom, optical means adapted to relect the rays from each objective to a respective one of said eyepieces, said optical means including a unitary reflecting mirror having reflecting surfaces on opposite sides thereof, said mirror being mounted on said bracket for pivotal movement Vabout a third axis parallel with and laterally offset from said first axis, connections pivoting said unit-ary reflectingr mirror through half the angle of pivoting of saidl frame about said first axis, and manually operable means carried by said bracket and pivotable to selectively move said Iframe and entrance reflector means about said flrst and second axes.

2..In a panoramic binocular telescope, right `V"and left eyepieces mounted in fix-ed position, en-

trance reflector means, first means mounting lsaid entrance reflector means for pivotal movement as a unit about a normally horizontal axis substantially-in the plane of the reflector surface thereof, second means mounting said f'lrst means for pivotal movement about a normally vertical axis, right and left objectives carried by said second means below said entrance reflector means to receive rays reflected from'said reflector means, and optical means to reflect an erect image of the field of view scanned by .said entrance reflector mean-s from each said objective to a respective eyepiece, said last-named means including` a, unitary reflector having op'positely disposed discrete reflecting surfaces, each said reflecting surface being in and forming a portion of the optical train from said entrance reflector means to a respective eyepiece.

3. A panoramic binocular telescope comprising a bracket having bearingmeans defining a normally vertical first axis, there being a slot in said bracket concentric of said axis, a frame, entrance reflector means vjournaled in said frame on a ,otal movement in said bearing means, .crossed mirror reflector receiving rays from said 13 normally horizontal second axis coplanarvwith the plane reflector surface of said refiector means, right and left objectives carried by said frame to receive rays from said entrance reflector means, said frame being rotatably and slidably mounted in said slot, right and left eyepieces fixedly carried by said bracket, optical means to reect rays from said objectives to said eyepieces, respectively, said optical means including rig-lit and left double prisms carried by said frame, said optical means alsov including a double crossed mirror, means mounting said mirror on vsaid bracket for pivo-tal movement on said first axis, and connections between said frame and said last-named means for rotating said mirror on said first axis in response to sliding of said frame along said slot.

4. In a panoramic telescope, a bracket, a frame pivoted on said bracket on a normally vertical first axis, an entrance mirror pivoted. in said frame on a normally horizontal second axis coplanar with said mirror, an objective carried by said frame to receive rays refiected from said mirror, a double prism on said frame to reflect rays from said objective horizontally rearwardly then laterally, in a first direction, a 90 reflector on said bracket to reflect rays from said prism first vertically then lateral-ly in a second direction opposite to said first direction, an eyepiece on said bracket, means to rotate said reflector about a normally vertical axis through half the angle of rotation of said frame, and means refleeting the rays from said reflector to said eyepiece.

5. A telescope as recited in cl-aim 4, a handle rotatable with said frame about said first axis and pivotable thereon about a normally horizontal axis, and means coupling said handle and mirror for rotating said mirror on rotation of said handle about its said horizontal axis.

6. A panoramic telescope comprising a bracket having bearing means defining a normally vertical first axis, -a frame, a pair of entrance mirrors mounted in said frame for lpivoting as a unit about a normally horizontal second axis in .the common plane of said mirrors, right and left `crossed mirror refiector, means mounting said crossed mirror reflector on said bracket for pivsaid double reflectors and refiecting the same first vertically, then horizontally outwardly, right and left eyepieces carried by said bracket, means to reflect rays from said crossed mirror refiector to said eyepieces, said frame being pivot/ally mounted in said bracket on a normally vertical third axis concurrent with said second axis, and means connecting said frame and crossed mirror reflector to rotate the latter through half the Iangle of rotation of said frame relatively to said bracket. v

7. In a panoramic telescope, a bracket having bearing means defining a firs-t axis, a link pivoted at one end on said bearing means, a first shaft having an axial bore and pivoted in the other end of said link on a second axis parallel to said first axis, a frame fixed to said rst shaft, an entrance reflector, a second sh-aft mounting said reflector in said frame for pivotal movement on a third axis `normal to and concurrent with said second axis and parallel with the light-receiving surface of said reecftor, Ian objective carried by said frame in position to receive rays reflected from said reflector, a handle pivoted on one end of said first shaft parallel with said third axis, a third shaft extending through sai-d bore in said first shaft, and 'connections between said handle and said second shaft, including said third shaft, to rotate said entrance reflector in response to pivotal movement of said handle.

8. A telescope as recited in claim 7, an eyepiece fixed on said bracket, an optical train reflecting the rays from said objective to said eyepiece, said train including a crossed mirror connected lfor pivotal movement with said link about said first axis, and means for rotating said link on said first axis through half the angle of pivotal movement of said first shaft and frame about said second axis.

9. A telescope as recited in claim 8, said lastnamed means including first and second pulleys fixed to said first shaft and bracket, respectively, each having .a diameter substantially equal to the separation of said first and second axes and being substantially coplanar, and belt means extending about said pulleys and connecting the same for equal and opposite rotation.

, 10. In a panoramic telescope, a fixed bracket, an eyepiece carried by said bracket, a first casing mounted on said bracket for pivotal movement about a normally vertical first axis and having a Second normally horizontal axis, a second casing having a third axis, frame means rotatably connected with said casings and mounting said second casing for revolution about said second axis with said second and third axes parallel, means connecting said casings so that said second casing rotates on said third axis through twice the angle of revolution of said third axis and frame means about said second axis, an entrance reflector and an objective on said second casing, said refiector receiving entering rays normal to said third axis and reflecting the same along said third axis to said objective, a Porro prism 'carried by said frame means and reflecting rays from said objective along said second axis to a mirror carried by said first casing, means including a reflector having its reflecting surface in and pivoted on said first axis and reflecting rays from said mirror to said eyepiece for all positions of said casings about said first axis, and a connection between said frame means and said lastnamed refiector connecting the same for synchronous piv-otal movement in 2:1 ratio about said first axis.

11. In a panoramic telescope, a bracket, an eyepiece fixed on said bracket, a first cylindrical casing having a normally horizontal first axis and pivoted on said bracket on a normally vertical second axis, a second cylindrical casing having a third axis, frame means mounted on said first casing for pivotal movement about said first axis, said second casing being pivoted on said frame means for rotation on said third axis parallel to said first axis, means connecting said casings whereby said second casing has pure rolling movement on and about said first casing, an entrance reflector and an obj-ective carried by said second casing, a Porro prism on said frame means in position to reverse rays proceeding along said third axis from said entrance reflector and objective to and along said first axis, mirror means carried by saidfirst casing t0 reflect rays from said Porro prism normal to said first axis, means refiecting rays from said mirror means to said "eyepiece, and means `'rotating' said fmirror means through rhalf theangle of rotation of, said vcasings vabout said second axis.

,jectives for synchronous movement aboutainormally vertical axis, a Ipellicle'having Vboth Asides specular, means lmounting said pellicle for pivotal movement about ajnormally Vertical axis in the plane of said Apellicle, means including one specular side of said ,pellicle for reecting rays from said left objective to said .left eyepiece, means including the other specular surfaceojf saidpel- .licle for reiiecting rays from said right objective to said right eyepiece, and means lpivoting said pellicle about its said axis through one-half the angle of rotation of said second means about its own axis.

13. In a binocular panoramic telescope, right .and left eyepieces liavingparallel principal axes, right and left entrance reectors mounted for pivotal movement as -a unit about a normally horizontal rst axis anda second normally vervtical second axis, right and left objectives each having its principal axis normally vertical and in superposed relation with ya respective entrance reflector, rst and second reflectors each -posiltioned to receive the rays from a Arespective ob- .jectiveand to direct the same inwardly parallel with said first axis, third and fourth reiiectors each positioned to reflect the rays `from said rst and second reectors, respectively horizontally forwardly, fth and sixth reflectors, a pellicle lhaving both sides specular, said pellicle being-pivoted on a normally vertical axis midway between theprincipal axes of said eyepiecessaid ifthand sixth reflectors being positioned to reect the rays from said third and `fourth reectors, ,respectivelyinwardly to respectively opposite specular surfaces of said pellicle, a pairof i'lxed re- -flectors Areecting the rays reected vbysaid pellicle into said eyepieces, respectively, and means rotating saidpellicle about its axis through onehalf the unitary rotation of said entrance reflectors, `objectives Aand rst to sixth reflectors, inclusive, about said second axis.

14. In a panoramic `binocular telescope, an adjustably fixed bracket, right and left eyepieces xedly carried by said bracket, a frame journaled on said bracket ona `normallyfverti-cal axis, right and left objectives xedly carried by said frame, right and left entrance reflectors, meanscarried -by said frame and mounting said entrance re- `iectors for pivotal movement as a unitrelatively to said frame about a normally horizontalaxis and in spaced relation along said axis, to reect rays from a remote Yfield of view .to respective ones of said objectives, optical means reflecting the rays "from each said objective to a respective eyepiece, said optical means-including a unitary reflecting element having oppositely disposed discrete reecting surfaces, eachsaid surface forming a part of the respective optical trains from an entrance refiector to the corresponding eyepiece, and a single means manually operable in two diierent directions respectively to pivot-said frame relatively to said bracket .and said `entrance reilectors ,relatively to said frame.

-15. In a `panoramic binocular telescope, a

ibracket, and left 'eyepieces ifixedly carried byzsaidbrackeaa framemounted on said bracket for pivotal 4movement ,about a normally vertical first-axis, right and kleft Yentrance reectors, rmeans mounting said entrance reectors Vonsaid frame for ,pivotal movement as a unit about a' normally horizontal second axis, right and .left objectives each positioned in the path of `rays reectedbya respective one of said entrance reflectors 13o-receive rays therefrom, means reflecting the rays passing through each objective, toa

respective `one of said eyepieces, said ymeans including a unitary reflectorin common having l-re- 'ecting vsurfaces on vopposite sides thereof, each of said surfaces being a component part .of the -optical train from va respective entrance reflector to the corresponding eyepiece, and means coupling said frame and unitaryrelector, for rotat- Iconcurrent with said first axis and in the plane reecting surface of said reflector, an objective lens ixedly mounted on said frame below said reflectorto receive light rays thereiroman eyeypiece xed on saidbraCket, a unitary mirror havingdiscrete angularly-related confronting specular surfaces cooperating to reflect rays incident thereon `through 180, means mounting said mirror on said vbracket for pivotal movement about said second axis at right angles to the lnormally horizontal line of intersection of said specular surfaces, reflectors carried -by said frame and reflecting the ray-s from said objective to one `saidspecular surface, other reflectors vcarried by said `bracket and reflecting the rays from the other -said specular lsurface into said eyepiece, ymeans revolving said 'frame about said second axis through one-half the angle of rotation of said lframe :about said rst axis, and `means `rresponsive to revolution only :of saidframe for syn- ,chronously rotating said unitary mirror through 'the sameangle and in thesame direction.

:17. In-.a panoramic telescope, first and second generally cylindrical casings of .equal eifectivevdiameter, aframe interconnecting said casing and mounting said secondcasin-g vfor-revolution about lsaid rsticasing in side-by-side lcontiguous yrelation .therewith vand with their axes in parallelism, means journaling said second casing `in saidlframe for rotation about its own axis, means interconnecting said casings in rolling relation only, reliector means carried by said frame to reflect lrays passing along the axis of -said second casing, through .180", into parallelism with land valong the axis of said second casing, a bracket,

an eyepiece fixed on said bracket, an-entrance reflector carried byfsaid second casing to reflect rays entering said second casing normal :to the axis thereof, through and along said second lcasing torsaid reflector means, a second reector in'said rst casing to receive rays from said reector means, .means Ajournaling said casings on said `bracket for rotation as a unit about an axis perpendicular to the axes oifsaid casings, and a thirdreector journaied on said bracket on said perpendicularaxis'to reiiect rays vfrom said second reiiector mtofsaidgeyepiece.

.18. yIn va panoramic telescope, a -iii-st Lcasing having a cylindrical surface defining a normally horizontal rst axis, means mounting said casing for pivotal movement about a normally vertical second axis perpendicular to said rst axis, frame means journaled on said rst casing for pivotal movement about said first axis, a second casing having a cylindrical surface deiining a third axis, means journaling said second casing in said frame with said third axis parallel to said first axis, an entrance reilector carried by said second casing and adapted to reflect entering rays along said third axis, a double reflector fixed with said frame in position to reflect rays proceeding along said third axis through 180 to and along said rst axis, and means connecting said cylindrical surfaces in rolling relation only in response to angular movement of said second casing and frame as a unit about said rst axis.

19. In a panoramic binocular telescope, an adjustably fixed bracket, right and left eyepieces xed with said bracket, a frame journaled on said bracket on a normally vertical axis, right and left objectives carried by said frame, right and left entrance reflectors, means carried by said frame and mounting said entrance reflectors for pivotal movement as a unit relatively to said frame about a normally horizontal axis and in spaced relation along said horizontal axis, to reect rays from a remote eld of View to respective ones of said objectives, a plane reflector pivoted on a vertical axis on said bracket and having specular surfaces on both sides thereof,

18 and right and left optical trains each including a respective one of said surfaces, each said train acting to reflect rays passing a respective objective into a respective eyepiece, and means connecting said frame and plane reflector for synchronous rotation in 2:1 ratio.

ROGER HAYWARD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 760,545 Miller May 24, 1904 784,852 Goerz Mar. 14, 1905 921,137 Michaelson May 11, 1909 1,107,503 Eppenstein et al. Aug. 18, 1914 1,501,059 Metz July 15, 1924 1,869,417 Grunberg Aug. 2, 1932 1,869,530 Von Hofe et a1. Aug. 2, 1932 2,098,917 Gunther Nov. 9, 1937 2,184,615 Gunther Dec. 26, 1939 2,358,646 Klemperer Sept. 19, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 26,791 Great Britain of 1911 12,445 Great Britain of 1915 342,843 Germany Oct. 24, 1921 714,054 Germany Nov. 24, 1941 

